Worm box



P 1958 s. L. JOHNSON 2,849,828

WORM BOX Filed April 2, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VENTOR.

United States WORM BOX Samuel L. Johnson, South Bend, Ind.

Application April 2, 1956, Serial No. 575,510

8 Claims. (CI. 43-55) This invention relates to a bait box forfishermen, and more specifically, to a box for fishermen using worms forbait.

Persons who are accustomed to placing worms and dirt in ordinary tincans or other conventional worm containers, have found that the wormsplaced in this environment work away from the top of said container andsecrete themselves near the bottom thereof. It therefore becomesnecessary for the fishermen to dig through the dirt in the can and feelaround with his fingers in order to find a worm. Fishermen have alsofound that worms placed in conventional containers do not survive forany substantial period of time after being placed therein.

Another disadvantage of the conventional container for worms is that itis difficult to carry or use without spillage of the dirt or escape ofthe worms from within.

It is the object of this invention to overcome all of the ditficultiesmentioned above and more specifically to provide a worm box forfishermen from which the user can easily obtain a worm when desiredwithout digging around in the dirt with his fingers.

It is also the object of this invention to provide a container whichwill prevent any spillage of its contents or escape of the worms fromwithin.

It is another object of this invention to provide a bait container inwhich worms will continue to live for substantial periods of time.

A further object of this invention is to provide a worm box ecenomicalto make, durable and of light construction which will not be adverselyaffected by-moisture.

The worm box of this invention is of a generally cubical shape. This boxhas dual lids opposite from each other, each lid having dual hinges, anda latching device which enables the user of the box to open either lidusing only one of his hands. When the lid is closed by the user thelatch snaps shut and insures that none of the contents of the box willbe lost through jarring or spilling. When the user of this worm box hasneed for a new worm on his hook, he has only to open the end of the wormbox opposite the end just previously opened by him and the worms whichhave crawled to the bottom of the container are positioned at what isnow the top of the container. Of course, if a second worm is neededimmediately, the same lid just previously opened will be reopened, sincethe worms will not have had a chance to work themselves away from thetop of the container and bury themselves at the bottom. For adescription of the device of this invention in more detail, referenceshould now be had to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure I is an overall perspective view of the device of thisinvention,with both lids open.

Figure II is a top view of the device with one of its lids open, showingthe interior of the device and a view of the underside of said open lid.

I Figure III is a top view for one of the lids of the device. Figure IVshows the two parts of the latching mechanism,

2,849,828 Patented Sept. 2, 1958 ICC Figure V is a plan view of theframe before it is folded to form the sides of the box, and

Figure VI is a perspective view of the box showing the one-handedoperation of the latch.

The frame 1 may be made of a material selected from a large group ofmaterials which would perform satisfactorily as a frame. Among thesematerials are sheet steel, aluminum, or a plastic which can be stampedand then formed. The initial stamped-out piece would be as shown inFigure V. The four parts of the stampedout piece 1 which constitute thefour sides of the frame, are designated as sections A, B, C and D of thesheet material. The sides 17 and 18, 15 and 16, 5 and 6, and 9 and 10 ofthe stamped-out piece are folded degrees along fold lines 19, 20, 21 and22 of sections A, B, C, and D, respectively. Each of the sections A, B,C, and D is then caused to form right angles with the adjacent sections.In other words, if desired, the stamped-out piece is initially folded 90degrees along line 2 between sections B and C, i. e. side 3 of section Bforms a right angle with side 4 of section C. Similarly, side 7 ofsection C forms a right angle along fold line 11 with side 8 of sectionD, and side 12 of section A forms a right angle along fold line 14 withside 13 of section B. Folding the sections in this manner causes theadjacent ends 24 and 25 of the sides 9, 5, 15 and 17 to fit togethersmoothly along fold line 26 as shown in Figure I. Terminal tabs 27 ofsection A are then forced through slots 28 in section D and then bent180 degrees to complete the forming of the frame.

Assembly of the other parts of the unit takes place within the partiallyfolded frame. Generally, each of the walls of the unit is comprised of adouble layer of insulating material such as Celotex, which is made fromcane pulp known as bagasse. This material is porous to air and moistureabsorbent, but at the same time is not adversely affected when wet.Because of these qualities, in addition to being lightweight, it isideally suited for the construction of a bait box since it will permitthe worms to breathe and also provide a moist environment suitableforworms. The Celotex material used in this box is generally about /2inch thick. The outer layer 29 of Celotex will usually be about 1 inchlonger than the inner layer 30 and about an inch wider than the innerlayer. The layers are inserted in the frame in a locking staggeredmanner. Figure II shows the staggered relationship of the inner walls ofthe container. 'End 31 of wall 32 locks end 33 of wall 34 in place andprevents any movement of end '33 toward the inside of the container.Similarly end 37 of side 32 is held in place by end 35 of side 36, andso on with the rest of the inner walls. The same plan is followed withrespect to the outer walls, end 37 .of inner wall 32 abutting againstthe outer wall situated beneath folded flange 38 of the frame, the endsof said outer wall beneath flange 38 being defined by the broken line 39and the oppostie side of the container, Figure II. A further step inassembling these walls is the placing of an adhesive material betweeneach of the inner and outer' walls which assists in keeping the wallstogether near those areas where the inner walls are not locked in place.A material satisfactory for this purpose is acaulking compound such asTrowelast, which is waterproof and which sets to only a semi-hardcondition. This is preferable to other adhesives which are notmoistureproof or which might harden excessively and .chip loose, therebyresulting in separation of the layers.

Only very small amounts of Trowelast are needed to secure the necessarydegree of adhesion between the Celotex layers. The Trowelast shouldpreferably be applied in thin strips along the lines of abutment of theCelotex Walls.

The two lids 53 and 54 for the device are made of Masonite material orthe like and are identical in size. Attached to the inside of each lidis a layer of Celotex 50 and 51 also identical in size, but smaller thanthe respective lid. Lid 53 is attached to the frame by hinges 55 and 56and lid 54 is attached to the frame by hinges 57 and 58. The hinges areall similarly made and similarly connected to the lids and frame, theirconstruction consisting generally of three parts, one part being,

attached to the lid, another to the frame, and both of these partshaving their free ends turned in such wise that a cotter pin or the likemay be inserted through the turned portions. The inner layers of Celotexon the lids are so dimensioned and positioned that they will seat snuglywithin the area bounded by the turned down edges 60, 61, 62 and 63(Figure I) of the frame and will also-rest gently upon the top edges ofthe inner walls of Celotex. As previously mentioned, the inner walls ofCelotex are about 1 inch less in width than the outer walls, permittinga half-inch clearance at each end of the container for the layer ofCelotex attached to the lids to evenly seat within the container. Thuswhen both lids are closed, the container is completely lined on thesides, top and bottom with Celotex, the sides being double layered.

Each of the lids is provided with a handle 70. The handles are attachedto the lids by means of metal ribbons 71 and 72 which are first madeinto a U-shape and then the open ends of said U caused to straddle theends of the handles, inserted through aligned openings. in the lids andCelotex linings thereon, and when fully forced through the lids andlinings the ends are folded back firmly upon said Celotex linings. Theends are bent in opposite directions from each other as shown at 73 and74. The

handles are thus firmly attached to the lids and also secure the Celotexlinings to said lids. Some Trowelast or the like may also be used nearCelotex edges for attaching the linings more securely to the lids.

When the frame is stamped out, it is desirable to leave interconnectingstrips 80 and 81 in sections A and C to facilitate the mounting. of partG of the latch mechamsm shown in Figure IV. By providing said centralstrips of metal in these sections as a mounting base for latch G, thenecessity for solid sheets of metal for sections A and C in order tomount latch G is avoided, thereby making the whole unit lighter and moreattract1ve, as well as also providing better breathing for the worms inthe box.

Part H of the latch mechanism contains a central portion 82 and a fiatportion 83. The central portion 82 is expanded away from the flatportion into a chutelike shape broader at its top than at its base. Thefiat portion. 83 is attached to the frame on one of said .center strips80 and 81. The point of attachment is near the top of the center stripso that part H may properly cooperate with portion G of the latchmechanism which is attached to the lid of the container. Flat portion 83may be attached to the center strip 80 or 81 by spot welding. It.canalso be attached by rivets, screws or some other means, but spot weldingis the easiest and cheapest way.

A thin strip of metal 84, indicated by dotted lines in Figure IV, isattached near the base 85 of central portion 82. This thin strip ofmetal extends up to point 86 of Figure IV. Attached to the thin strip ofmetal near its top is that portion of the latch mechanism whichcooperates with portion G of the latch mechanism. This top portion isbent into three difierent planes, a, b and c. Plane a is shaped to slideunder the slanted portion 87 of portion G of the latch mechanism.Horizontal planeb is designed to rest upon edge 88 OfIG' and thusloc'kthe lid closed until the user desired to open it. Vertical plane c is'attached to the thinstrip of metal 84. The bottom edge of portionextends only as far as point 89, shown in Figure IV. It should be notedthat this wholetop portion is located between the thin strip of metaland the center strip of the frame. The combination of this location ofthe top portion of the latch mechanism (which is several times thethickness of the thin strip of mctaLto which it is attached.) and theattachment of the thin strip of metal to H near its base insures thatsegment a will always spring back away from the frame and cause edge bto lock over edge 88 of G, when the lid is closed and until it is againdesired to open the lid. At this time the user of this device merelyplaces his index finger under tab 87 and pushes on segment a with histhumb until edge b is back behind edge 88 and then exerts an upwardforce upon tab 87. .The lid may also conveniently be opened with onlyone hand by grasping the handle and lifting the box while pushing'in onsegment a with the thumb as illustrated in Figure VI.

Portion G of the latch mechanism is attached to the lid by means oftubular rivets extending through the lid and the horizontal legs 90 and91 of said portion G. The lid is preferably made from Masonite or thelike because it is very hard and not easily banged out of shape.Therefore, misalignment of the latch mechanism will not occur whichmight be the case if a softer material were used. On the other hand, ahard material such as steel, is not acceptable as Masonite because it istoo heavy.

I claim:

1. A fishermans bait box adapted for one handed operation, comprisingfour panels of Celotex joined together in interlocking manner at theirvertical edges to form side walls of said box, a metal frame emrbacingsaid walls for retaining said wall panels in place, four panels ofCelotex joined together in interlocking manner at their vertical edgesand in contact with the inner walls of said wall panels forming amoisture absorbent liner forsaid box, doors for closing the top andbottom of said box, each door having a pair of hinges for pivoting saiddoor along one side of said side. walls on said frame, a liner ofCelotex for: each. door secured to the inner side thereof, a pivotedbail on each door extending radially from the hinged side of the door, alatch for each door disposed on the side of each door opposite saidhinges and at the end of said bail, said latch including a U-shapedmember attached to and extending outwardly from the edge of said door,and a resilient lever attached to the side of said box adjacent saidU-shaped member and adapted to extend therethrough and to hook over theedge of said member, the hinges and latch on the two doors having thesame corresponding positions on the box.

2. A fishermans bait box adapted for one handed operation, comprisingfour panels of porous fibrous material joined together in interlockingmanner at their verticaledges to. form sidewalls of said box, a metalframe embracing said walls for retaining said wall panels in place, fourpanels of porous fibrous material joined together in interlocking mannerat their vertical edges forming' a moisture absorbent liner for saidbox, doors for closing the top and bottom of said box, each door havinga hinge for pivoting said door along one side of said sidewalls, a linerof porous fibrous material for each door secured to the inner sidethereof, a bail on each door extending radially from the hinged side ofthe door, and a latch for each door disposed on the side of each dooroppositesaid hinge and at the end of said bail, the hinge and latch onthe two doors having the same corresponding positions on the box.

3. Claim 2 wherein each of the layers of porous fibrous materialconnected to the doors fits snugly into said box when said doors areclosed and abut against'the edges of said liner of porous fibrousmaterial.

4. Claim 2 wherein saidd'oors are made from Masonite" and said frame ismade from aluminum.

5. A fishermans bait box adapted for one handed operation, comprisingfour panels joined together at their vertical edges to form sidewalls ofsaid box, four panels.

of porous fibrous material joined together at their vertical edgesforming. a moisture absorbent liner for said 'box, doors for closing thetop and bottom of said rm,

each door having a hinge for pivoting said door along one side of saidside Walls, a pivoted bail on each door extending radially from thehinged side of the door, a latch for each door disposed on the side ofeach door opposite said hinge and at the end of said bail, said latchincluding a U-shaped member attached to and extending outwardly from theedge of said door, and a resilient lever attached to the side of saidbox adjacent said U-shaped member and adapted to extend therethrough,the hinge and latch on the two doors having the same correspondingpositions on the box.

6. In a fishermans bait box adapted for one handed operation and havingmeans of porous fibrous material forming side walls of said box; doorsfor closing the top and bottom of said box, each door having a hinge forpivoting said door along one edge of said side walls, a liner of porousfibrous material for each door secured to the inner side thereof, apivoted bail on each door extending radially from the hinged side of thedoor, and a latch for each door disposed on the side of each dooropposite said hinge and at the end of said bail, the hinges and latch onthe two doors having the same corresponding positions on the box.

7. In a fishermans bait box adapted for one handed operation and havingmeans forming side walls of said box: doors for closing the top andbottom of said box, each door having a hinge for pivoting said dooralong one edge of said side walls, a bail on each door extend- 8. Afishermans bait box adapted for one handed operation, comprising fourpanels joined together at their vertical edges to form side walls ofsaid box, doors for closing the top and bottom of said box, each doorhaving hinges for pivoting said door along one side of said side walls,a pivoted bail on each door extending radially from the hinged side ofthe door, a positive locking latch for each door disposed on the side ofeach door opposite said hinges and at the end of said bail, said latchincluding a U-shaped member attached to and extending outwardly from theedge of said door, a resilient lever attached to the side of said boxadjacent said U-shaped member and adapted to extend therethrough and tohook over the edge of said member, the hinges and latch on the two doorshaving the same corresponding positions on the box.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS628,760 Chenoweth July 11, 1899 2,328,993 Norling Sept. 7, 19432,436,109 Kollman Feb. 17, 1948

